Freedom Index

A Legislative Scorecard Based on the Principles of the U.S. Constitution

Votes


Ranked-choice Voting  |  SB428

SB428 expands ranked-choice voting (RCV) to elections for any local or constitutional office, beyond just county boards and city councils.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed SB428 on March 6, 2024 by a vote of 54 to 44. We have assigned pluses to the nays because states should oppose all attempts to enact ranked-choice voting. This complicated, multiple-round, and unconstitutional method threatens election integrity by allowing a candidate to potentially win without genuine support from a plurality of voters. The scheme’s ballot casting requirements not only undermine a citizen’s right to vote, but could effectively force them to violate their conscience.

Market Interference  |  HB1301

HB1301 amends the Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act to broaden the definition of “consumer transaction” to include business-related goods and services. It also extends the “time of disaster” to either the state-of-emergency duration or 30 days after the disaster, whichever is longer.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB1301 on March 4, 2024 by a vote of 88 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it expands government intervention in the economy. By broadening the definition of “consumer transaction” to include business-related goods and services, the bill increases regulatory control over private enterprise, restricting the ability of businesses to set prices based on supply and demand. Instead of allowing the free market to respond to post-disaster conditions, HB1301 imposes arbitrary price controls that could lead to shortages and inefficiencies.

Speed-monitoring Devices  |  SB336

SB336 allows state and local law enforcement to install photo speed-monitoring devices at “high-risk” intersections where a traffic fatality has occurred since January 1, 2014. These devices will record speeding violations and follow the same regulations as those used in school zones and highway work zones.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed SB336 on February 28, 2024 by a vote of 73 to 26. We have assigned pluses to the nays because speed-monitoring devices undermine due process by removing human oversight and presuming guilt before innocence, violating principles protected by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. These systems also risk infringing on Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. They enable invasive surveillance, expand government overreach, and burden drivers with costly fines, all disguised as public-safety measures.

Right to Contraception  |  HB609

HB609 establishes the “right” to access contraception, including contraceptive drugs, devices, and sterilization procedures. It prohibits any law, regulation, or policy that “restricts access” to contraceptives or related information. Health care providers are also given the “right” to offer contraceptives and related services. The bill outlines legal protections for individuals or entities whose “rights” are infringed, providing a defense if a law significantly advances health and safety.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB609 on February 28, 2024 by a vote of 55 to 44. We have assigned pluses to the nays because contraception is not a right, and the care of human life—not its destruction—is the greatest responsibility of government. Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution affirm the fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right to life and limb of every person. Therefore, each of the several States has a duty to defend the basic humanity of all its citizens, especially the preborn.

Illegal Aliens as Law Enforcement  |  SB69

SB69 expands eligibility for law-enforcement positions to individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Under Existing law, only U.S. citizens can serve as police officers, deputy sheriffs, jail officers, and other law-enforcement roles.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed SB69 on February 28, 2024 by a vote of 53 to 47. We have assigned pluses to the nays because persons who enter the United States illegally—which, by definition, is a crime—ought not to be permitted sanctuary or residency in Virginia, let alone be considered eligible for appointment as local police officers and deputy sheriffs. Rather than pursue a blatantly unconstitutional and anti-American policy that erodes both the rule of law and the value of citizenship, Virginia should use its powers reserved under the U.S. Constitution’s 10th Amendment to end the crisis of illegal migration and provide for the public safety. 

Tax Increase and Education  |  SB14

SB14 allows any county or city to impose an additional local sales tax of up to 1% to fund school construction or renovation, regardless of when the project began. It also removes limits on county funding for certain towns that have not complied with charter election provisions.

The Virgina State House of Delegates passed SB14 on February 26, 2024 by a vote of 68 to 28. We have assigned pluses to the nays because elected officials should work to cut government spending and taxes, not increase them. Additionally, lawmakers should not use taxes to fund a failing public-education system that prioritizes indoctrination over academic excellence. Despite ever-increasing funding, public schools continue to produce poor results while pushing radical social agendas. Rather than expanding government control, lawmakers should work to defund public education and return control to families.

Second Amendment Violation  |  HB1174

HB1174 raises the minimum age to purchase a handgun or assault firearm to 21, and expands the definition of “assault firearm” for background checks. Buyers must consent to a criminal history check, and dealers must verify their age. It also creates a Class 6 felony for anyone under 21 who purchases these firearms.

The Virginia State Senate passed HB1174 on March 8, 2024 by a vote of 21 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution expressly declares that the right of the American people “to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Raising the minimum age for lawful adults to purchase firearms and expanding background-check requirements impose unconstitutional restrictions on gun rights. These measures arbitrarily deny young adults their God-given right to self-defense and set a dangerous precedent for further government overreach.

DEI Board Requirement  |  SB393

SB393 requires the Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission to consider a business’ commitment to board diversity before approving major employment and investment projects. Companies must have at least 30% of their board composed of women and historically “underrepresented” groups and must submit and update annual diversity disclosures.

The Virginia State Senate passed SB393 on March 8, 2024 by a vote of 21 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill imposes government-mandated diversity quotas on private businesses, forcing them to prioritize identity over merit—an actual racist practice. It advances the Marxist DEI agenda, a tool used to erode free-market principles and individual liberties through bureaucratic control. The Declaration of Independence affirms that “all men are created equal” and are endowed with “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” This bill directly violates that principle.

Green Federal Money  |  HB1002

HB1002 requires the Virginia Department of Energy’s Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to track and oversee federal grant programs, loan programs, and other funding opportunities that can support Virginia’s energy efficiency goals.

The Virginia State Senate passed HB1002 on March 4, 2024 by a vote of 39 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because states should not accept federal grants, which are unconstitutional, and come with strings attached that erode state sovereignty. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Energy’s Division of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency is just more bureaucracy that expands government and wastes taxpayer dollars. Rather than accepting unconstitutional federal funding — which, in this instance, also implements the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — Virginia should nullify all unconstitutional federal acts pursuant to Article VI and the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Environmental Justice  |  HB333

HB333 clarifies that the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice can travel across the state to observe and document conditions related to human health and the environment in or near “environmental justice communities.” It also ensures that the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources provides direct staff support to the Council, without delegating this responsibility to other agencies.

The Virginia State Senate passed HB333 on March 4, 2024 by a vote of 20 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the nays because no government should expand bureaucracy or enable overreach under the guise of “environmental justice.” This bill risks undermining property rights and imposing an intrusive, agenda-driven surveillance operation. Virginia should reject the leftist climate agenda and protect individual freedoms.

Project Winners and Losers  |  HB673

HB673 directs the Department of Conservation and Recreation to prioritize funding for projects in low-income areas and those using nature-based solutions when distributing loans or grants from the Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund.

The Virginia State Senate passed HB673 on February 20, 2024 by a vote of 28 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the government should not pick winners and losers based on income or “preferred” environmental strategies. The United States were founded on the principle that “all men are created equal,” and taxpayer dollars should not be used to benefit select groups over others. HB673 injects social engineering into grant distribution, favoring certain communities while sidelining others, rather than ensuring funds are allocated based on need and merit.

Abortion Protection  |  SB716

SB716 prevents the Board of Medicine from disciplining a doctor for providing abortions that is legal under Virginia law, regardless of where the abortion happened.

The Virginia State Senate passed SB716 on February 6, 2024 by a vote of 21 to 18. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution, and SB716 violates that right. Furthermore, there should be a greater effort to provide specific protections for the right to life beyond those provided by the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments.

Offshore Wind  |  SB1441

SB1441 requires that the State Corporation Commission, in conducting its review of costs associated with generating facilities utilizing energy derived from offshore wind, to give due consideration to the economic development benefits of the project for Virginia, including capital investments and job creation, arising from project construction and operation and the manufacture of wind turbine generator components and subcomponents. The bill also accelerates the timeline from 2034 to 2032 for public utilities to construct or purchase one or more offshore wind generation facilities.

The Virginia State Assembly passed SB1441 on February 21, 2023 by a vote of 87 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it is well known that wind, solar, and green energy receive substantial government subsidies, raising serious concerns about their constitutionality. The globalist green agenda, associated with the UN’s Agenda 2030, has no place in this country. Wind energy is an attempt to manipulate public opinion and promote a leftist agenda. SB1441 squanders taxpayer money and resources by collecting unnecessary data solely to expedite wind facility projects. This should not happen at all.

Offshore Wind  |  SB1441

SB1441 requires that the State Corporation Commission, in conducting its review of costs associated with generating facilities utilizing energy derived from offshore wind, to give due consideration to the economic development benefits of the project for Virginia, including capital investments and job creation, arising from project construction and operation and the manufacture of wind turbine generator components and subcomponents. The bill also accelerates the timeline from 2034 to 2032 for public utilities to construct or purchase one or more offshore wind generation facilities.

The Virginia State Senate passed SB1441 on February 7, 2023 by a vote of 38 to 2. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it is well known that wind, solar, and green energy receive substantial government subsidies, raising serious concerns about their constitutionality. The globalist green agenda, associated with the UN’s Agenda 2030, has no place in this country. Wind energy is an attempt to manipulate public opinion and promote a leftist agenda. SB1441 squanders taxpayer money and resources by collecting unnecessary data solely to expedite wind facility projects. This should not happen at all.

Internal Revenue Code  |  SB1405

SB1405 would conform Virginia to the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) on a rolling basis. This would allow Virginia to conform to federal tax changes to the IRC as soon as they are enacted by Congress and it would also allow Virginia to conform to the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (“CAA”).

The Virginia State Assembly passed SB1405 on April 12, 2023 by a vote of 93 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it is irresponsible to legally bind one’s state to changes in federal law, especially regarding tax policy. While it might be convenient in the short-run, such a decision could potentially complicate future attempts to nullify federal tax laws, particularly if they become excessively draconian. The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances, which safeguards state sovereignty by preventing the federal government from exceeding its authority and encroaching upon powers reserved for the states. It is best to embrace federalism and keep states and the federal government as separate as possible.

TikTok Ban  |  SB1459

SB1459 prohibits any employee or agent of any public body or person or entity contracting with any such public body from downloading or using any application, including TikTok or WeChat, or accessing any website developed by ByteDance Ltd. or Tencent Holdings Ltd. (i) on any government-issued device or government-owned or government-leased equipment.

The Virginia State Assembly passed SB1459 on April 12, 2023 by a vote of 65 to 29. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because companies such as ByteDance, a Chinese company that owns TikTok, are accused of utilizing their platform and algorithms to promote propaganda aligned with the Chinese Communist Party. Moreover, there are concerns that they collect and retain personal user information for the purpose of surveillance on American citizens.

Internal Revenue Code  |  SB1405

SB1405 would conform Virginia to the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) on a rolling basis. This would allow Virginia to conform to federal tax changes to the IRC as soon as they are enacted by Congress, and it would also allow Virginia to conform to the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (“CAA”).

The Virginia State Senate passed SB1405 on April 12, 2023 by a vote of 40 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it is irresponsible to legally bind one’s state to changes in federal law, especially regarding tax policy. While it might be convenient in the short-run, such a decision could potentially complicate future attempts to nullify federal tax laws, particularly if they become excessively draconian. The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances, which safeguards state sovereignty by preventing the federal government from exceeding its authority and encroaching upon powers reserved for the states. It is best to embrace federalism and keep states and the federal government as separate as possible.

Property Rights  |  SB1051

SB1051 provides that a vehicle owned and operated by a public utility company or broadband service provider may be temporarily left on private property without the consent of the owner of the property.

The Virginia State Assembly passed SB1051 on February 21, 2023 by a vote of 69 to 30. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this law blatantly violates the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Fifth Amendment explicitly states, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” Furthermore, the Fourteenth Amendment declares, “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”

Vehicle Noise  |  SB1085

SB1085 directs the Superintendent of State police to convene a work group to examine the issue of vehicle noise in Virginia.

The Virginia State Assembly passed SB1085 on February 21, 2023 by a vote of 77 to 21. We have assigned pluses to the nays because there is nothing more absurd than establishing a work committee solely focused on addressing vehicle noise. This effort is part of the broader environmental and green agenda, with the government advocating for quieter electric vehicles. The committee’s purpose is to deliver their findings to the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Transportation, which is indicative of the government’s intentions to eventually ban gas-powered vehicles in the state as is already happening in other leftist-run states, which interferes with the free market.

Traffic Control Devices  |  SB861

SB861 authorizes the governing body of any locality in Planning District 23 to establish a traffic control device violation monitoring system, which allows imposing monetary liability on the operator of a vehicle for failure to comply with traffic control devices at any intersection deemed by the local governing body to be negatively impacted by traffic due to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Express Lanes Hampton Segment Project.

The Virginia State Assembly passed SB861 on February 21, 2023 by a vote of 55 to 42. The have assigned pluses to the nays because traffic control device monitoring systems may violate due process because it takes away human interaction and presumes people are guilty before proven innocent, a fundamental principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and primarily protected by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. Additionally, these systems can be seen as infringing upon the Fourth Amendment, which safeguards individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.

Property Rights  |  SB1051

SB1051 provides that a vehicle owned and operated by a public utility company or broadband service provider for purposes of providing service and maintenance for such company or provider may be temporarily left on private property without the consent of the owner of the property.

The Virginia State Senate passed SB1051 on April 12, 2023 by a vote of 22 to 18. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this law blatantly violates the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Fifth Amendment explicitly states, “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” Furthermore, the Fourteenth Amendment declares, “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”

Vehicle Noise  |  SB1085

SB1085 directs the Superintendent of State police to convene a work group to examine the issue of vehicle noise in Virginia.

The Virginia State Senate passed SB1085 on February 6, 2023 by a vote of 31 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the nays because there is nothing more absurd than establishing a work committee solely focused on addressing vehicle noise. This effort is part of the broader environmental and green agenda, with the government advocating for quieter electric vehicles. The committee’s purpose is to deliver their findings to the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Transportation, which is indicative of the government’s intentions to eventually ban gas-powered vehicles in the state as is already happening in other leftist-run states, which interferes with the free market.

Traffic Control Devices  |  SB861

SB861 authorizes the governing body of any locality in Planning District 23 to establish a traffic control device violation monitoring system, which allows imposing monetary liability on the operator of a vehicle for failure to comply with traffic control devices at any intersection deemed by the local governing body to be negatively impacted by traffic due to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Express Lanes Hampton Segment Project.

The Virginia State Senate passed SB861 on February 22, 2023 by a vote of 28 to 12. The have assigned pluses to the nays because traffic control device monitoring systems are argued to violate due process, a fundamental principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and primarily protected by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. Additionally, these systems can be seen as infringing upon the Fourth Amendment, which safeguards individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.

Right to Abortion  |  SJR255

SJR255 would have created a “right” to abortion in the Virginia Constitution.

The Virginia State Senate passed SJR255 on February 7, 2023 by a vote of 21 to 18. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the right to life is the most fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right asserted in the Declaration of Independence and protected by the U.S. Constitution and SJR255 violates that right. Furthermore, there should be a greater effort to provide specific protections for the right to life beyond those provided by the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments.

Executive Order Limit  |  HB158

HB158 limits the duration of any executive order under the emergency service and disaster law to a maximum 45 days from the date of issuance and is prohibited from issuing the same or similar rule immediately after it’s expiration.

The Virginia State Senate passed HB158 on March 8, 2022 by a vote of 22 to 16. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because our founding fathers believed that checks and balances in government are essential to keeping our elected officials in check with the Constitution and to prevent any unconstitutional government overreach. Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution, requires a limitation and separation of powers and the governor should not have unlimited executive power.

Heavy Trucks  |  SB706

SB706 prohibits operators of semi trucks and other large vehicles from using cruise control or compression release engine brakes when driving in active snow, sleet, or freezing rain.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed SB706 on March 4, 2022 by a vote of 94 to 4. We have assigned plusses to the nays because this bill expands government’s interference in free-market commerce. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and government interference in someone’s privacy, entrepreneurship and private business is in violation of that belief.

Broadband Affordability  |  HB1265

HB1265 expends $600 million in federal funds and federal grants to expand broadband and make it more affordable to tens of thousands of Virginians.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB1265 on March 2, 2022 by a vote of 89 to 10. We have assigned pluses to the nays because federal funds for unconstitutional use comes with string attached, which expands the size of government. Government subsidized internet benefits only a specific part of the population. This is also another step towards socialism and government interference in the free market.

Noncitizens Terminology  |  HB891

HB891 Removes the term “alien” from the Code of Virginia as it pertains to persons who are not citizens of the United States and replaces it with less offensive terms.

The Virginia State Senate passed HB891 on February 28, 2022 by a vote of 22 to 18. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill is conforming to the woke leftist culture that focuses on virtue signaling and being politically correct.

Broadband Affordability  |  HB1265

HB1265 expends $600 million in federal funds and federal grants to expand broadband and make it more affordable to tens of thousands of Virginians.

The Virginia State State Senate passed HB1265 on February 28, 2022 by a vote of 40 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because federal funds for unconstitutional use comes with string attached, which expands the size of government. Government subsidized internet benefits only a specific part of the population. This is also another step towards socialism and government interference in the free market.

Noncitizens Terminology  |  HB891

HB891 removes the term “alien” from the Code of Virginia as it pertains to persons who are not citizens of the United States and replaces it with less offensive terms.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB891 on February 15, 2022 by a vote of 78 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill is conforming to the woke leftist culture that focuses on virtue signaling and being politically correct.

Family Life Education Transparency  |  HB789

HB789 allows parents to review school curriculum regarding public school family life and health classes.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB789 on February 15, 2022 by a vote of 50 to 49.  We have assigned pluses to the ayes because a student’s upbringing and education, especially in health related classes, is both the responsibility and fundamental right of parents. Taxpayer funded education should be fully transparent, giving the taxpayers and parents the right to see what is going on in their child’s classroom.

Critical Race Theory Ban  |  HB787

HB787 bans the teaching and promotion of certain concepts the likes of Critical Race Theory in public schools.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB787 on February 15, 2022 by a vote of 50 to 49. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because our government is pushing schools to teach racism with Critical Race Theory, which is rooted in communism and is part of the Marxist agenda. The goal is to pit Americans of different races and religions against each other, essentially become a catalyst for more racism. Our education system is broken and corrupt and all of this is at the cost of the taxpayers expense. This legislation is a good step in taking back our schools and protecting our kids.

Sick Leave  |  SB352

SB352 requires that health care providers and grocery workers are provided with paid sick leave by their employer.

The Virginia State Senate passed SB352 on February 15, 2022 by a vote of 21 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the nays because businesses have the freedom to conduct business without the government meddling in their affairs. The government should not be interfering in private business and interference in entrepreneurship and private business is in violation of our Constitutional rights.

Heavy Trucks  |  SB706

SB706 prohibits operators of semi trucks and other large vehicles from using cruise control or compression release engine brakes when driving in active snow, sleet, or freezing rain.

The Virginia State Senate passed SB706 on February 15, 2022 by a vote of 26 to 13. We have assigned plusses to the nays because this bill expands government’s interference in free-market commerce. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and government interference in someone’s privacy, entrepreneurship and private business is in violation of that belief.

Same-Sex Marriage  |  SB557

SB557 proposed a voter referendum to make a state constitutional amendment to repeal the same-sex marriage prohibition.

The Virginia State Senate Passed SB557 on February 14, 2022 by a vote of 25 to 14. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the left has been promoting radical Marxist ideas for years and it could ultimately be the demise to our country. Liberals are busy promoting a woke ideologies and imposing these beliefs on people.

Religious Freedom  |  HB775

HB775 provides that no rule, regulation, or order issued by the Governor or other governmental entities applies to the exercise of religion in a place of worship.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB775 on February 11, 2022 by a vote of 51 to 46. We have assigned plusses to the ayes because no law shall prohibit free exercise of religion and the right to peacefully assemble.  These rights are protected by both the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and no situation or event in the United States shall lead to the suspension of those rights.